The Ospreys have handed a first professional deal to the outstanding young openside who’s already received the Justin Tipuric seal of approval.
Harri Deaves has penned a two-year contract to stay with the team coached by Toby Booth.
The move crowns a notable few days for the 20-year-old, who was named as the Ospreys’ pathway player of the year at the region’s awards ceremony last Saturday.
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Deaves is one to watch.
Earlier this season, Ospreys captain Tipuric commented on the number of quality young No. 7s in Welsh rugby, with the master craftsman naming three who have impressed him, namely Taine Basham, Jac Morgan and Deaves.
Of the youngest of that trio, Tipuric said: “Harri Deaves has had a taste of it. He has an unbelievable amount of potential and is another great kid to be coming through at the Ospreys. He’s going to have many, many caps in time as well.”
Deaves is unlikely to let such praise go to his head, for he is grounded as well as talented.
The Wales U20s flanker, who scored a try on his regional debut in the Heineken Champions Cup against Sale Sharks in January, said: “To get my first Ospreys deal is just massive to me and to have played a few games already just means a lot to me.
“I just want to play more after having a taste of it and my debut couldn’t have gone much better for myself. It was just a massive achievement for me to play in a game like that and having all my friends and family make the trip was really special too.
“Toby has really backed me, shown he trusts me and has confidence in me to do a job for the team.
“He has shown your age doesn’t matter and he will give you an opportunity if you impress enough in training.
“I am not taking anything for granted and I know I have to take every opportunity that comes my way.”
Ospreys head coach Booth said: “Everyone is aware of how important it is to us to produce our own talent. Harri is certainly a big part of that commitment going forward and has certainly impressed when he has played. (You can read more about Deaves here.)
“Harri plays tough and his uncompromising nature and desire has impressed us all at the Ospreys. It’s now about him and us as a coaching team helping him to fulfil that potential.”
